Urosphena whiteheadi
The Bornean Stubtail (*Urosphena whiteheadi*) is a captivating, diminutive songbird, measuring approximately 9-10 cm in length and weighing around 8-10 grams, characterized by its remarkably short tail, which gives it its common name. Its plumage is a rather plain olive-brown above, contrasting with a dull whitish throat and belly, often washed with buff on the flanks. A distinctive pale supercilium (eyebrow stripe) above a dark eye-line provides a key field mark for identification amidst the...
This species exclusively inhabits the dense understory of primary montane and submontane forests, typically found at elevations ranging from 900 to 3,000 meters above sea level. It prefers areas with thick moss, ferns, and tangled vegetation.
The Bornean Stubtail primarily feeds on small invertebrates, including spiders, insects, and their larvae, which it gleans from dense undergrowth and leaf litter.
The Bornean Stubtail is a highly secretive and elusive bird, typically active during the day but often remaining hidden within dense vegetation. It forages solitarily or in pairs, primarily by gleaning small invertebrates from moss, ferns, and decaying leaves close to the forest floor, often cree...
The Bornean Stubtail is entirely endemic to the island of Borneo, where it is found across the montane regions of Malaysia (Sabah and Sarawak) and Indonesia (Kalimantan). Its distribution is largely restricted to the higher elevations, typically above 900 meters, but it can be found up to 3,000 m...
Least Concern
- The Bornean Stubtail's common name perfectly describes its most striking feature: an exceptionally short tail, barely visible beyond its body feathers. - Despite its plain appearance, its distinctive, high-pitched "zit-zit-zit" call is often the first and only indication of its presence in the ...